Effectiveness of a Parent Training Intervention for Children with Comorbid Autism Spectrum Disorder and Behavioral Problems in Alexandria, Egypt

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Family Health, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt

2 Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience several negative
psychological outcomes that are compounded by the presence of children’s comorbid behavioral
problems.
Objective(s): To evaluate the effectiveness of a culturally sensitive parent training intervention for
children with comorbid ASD and behavioral problems in a clinic-based setting in Alexandria, Egypt.
Methods: A quasi-experimental study with non-equivalent groups (intervention, non-intervention, 46
each) was conducted targeting parents/caregivers of children aged ≥ 3 years with ASD and having at
least one behavioral problem. The intervention group participated in a multi-component group < br />intervention including psychoeducation, parent training and brief cognitive behavioral therapy. Both
groups were assessed immediately after program completion (post-1) and 3 months later (post-2).
Measured outcomes included caregivers’ ASD related knowledge and emotional status, and
children’s behavioral problems, that were assessed using: ASD knowledge self-report questionnaire,
The Arabic Version of Depression Anxiety Stress Scales, The Arabic Version of Strengths and
Difficulties Questionnaire, and The Arabic Version of Home Situation Questionnaire for ASD.
Results: Positive effect of the program was evidenced by significant improvement on all outcome
measures at post-2. The highest percentage mean change was reported in caregivers’ anxiety
symptoms (-63.64), followed by caregivers’ depression symptoms, child’s behavioral problems and
caregivers’ stress symptoms (-52.63, -45.64 and -38.18, respectively). ASD related knowledge
recorded the least percentage mean change (18.18).
Conclusion: The current intervention provided evidence for the effectiveness of an Egyptian group -
based parent-focused multi-component intervention in addressing educational and emotional
problems of caregivers of children with comorbid ASD and behavioral problems.

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